Rob Schneider, a comedian, publicly announced his decision to stop flying with United Airlines due to concerns over the airline’s prioritization of diversity over safety.
In a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, to United’s CEO Scott Kirby, he stated, “I regret to inform you that I will no longer allow my family to fly on your airline.”
The 2022 Flight Incident Referenced
In his post, Schneider referenced a specific incident involving United Airlines. He brought attention to a near-fatal accident during a flight in late 2022, implying it could have been prevented with different priorities in hiring.
Schneider said, “As evidenced by the near aviation catastrophe of UA Boeing 777 flight 1722 from Maui to San Francisco Dec 18th 2023.”
Allegations of CEO’s Extracurricular Activities
Fox News reports that Schneider also commented on allegations regarding CEO Kirby’s personal activities.
Following videos shared by prominent conservatives, he addressed Kirby as a “Drag Queen practitioner,” referring to purported drag show performances.
Schneider’s Criticism of Hiring Priorities
In his post, Schneider emphasized his perception of United’s flawed priorities, stating, “You have clearly placed ‘diversity’ of pilot hiring above safety of passengers and crew.”
This quote underlines his primary grievance with United Airlines, where he sees a misalignment between the airline’s diversity initiatives and its commitment to passenger safety.
Describing the Near-Miss Incident
Detailing the 2022 incident, Schneider vividly described the situation, per information from Fox News.
He wrote, “Where your diverse but incompetent flight crew didn’t know which flaps were causing its near disastrous dissent, coming within 750 feet of killing every one aboard your United Airline.”
United Airlines’ Response to the Incident
In response to the incident and subsequent criticism, a United Airlines spokesperson stated that the pilots involved required “additional training.”
This response was reported by FOX Business, indicating that the airline acknowledged the need for improved training following the near-miss event.
Schneider Claims Support from United Employees
According to Fox News, Schneider claimed to have received support from United Airlines employees for his stance.
He stated, “I cannot tell you how many @UnitedAirlines employees have personally thanked me for my valid criticism of your careless and life-threatening leadership.”
Schneider’s Predictions for Kirby’s Future
Concluding his critique, Schneider made a bold prediction about Kirby’s professional future, Fox News reports.
He wrote, “After your inevitable firing you can get back to your true passion, your Drag Queen performance.”
Kirby’s Commitment to Diversity
Fox News reports that United Airlines’ CEO made a commitment to diversity in pilot hiring.
Kirby shared in a 2021 Axios interview, “One of the things we do is, for every job, when we do an interview, we require women and people of color to be involved in the interview process.”
Elon Musk’s Critique of Kirby
Alongside Schneider, another high-profile figure voicing criticism against Kirby is Elon Musk. NBC News revealed that Musk expressed his disapproval by mocking Kirby in a post on X, suggesting he reminds him of a pink video game character.
Kirby also shared a commitment to ensuring 50% of United Aviate Academy graduating pilot classes will be women or people of color. Despite this target, as of 2023, the actual percentage stands at just 19%, as per Fox News.
Musk’s Controversial Remarks on Diversity Hiring
This is not the only instance of Musk expressing his opinion on DEI policies in the aviation industry. NBC News reports that Musk has been vocal on X. He previously responded to a post critical of Boeing’s diversity efforts.
He questioned the safety implications of prioritizing DEI in hiring, asking, “Do you want to fly in an airplane where they prioritized DEI hiring over your safety? That is actually happening.”
Schneider’s Comments in Stand-Up Special
In a Fox Nation stand-up special from June 2023, Schneider criticized United’s diversity focus, as per information from Fox News.
He said, “What? Diversity? Not the best pilots you could find?” and added, “I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of flying all the time with these White pilots landing safely and on time. Boring!”
